The Boughton Heath site in Chester could now be locked at night to prevent disturbance to nearby residents.

And city councillors heard last night that gates would also deter young people who already race around the city's out of town retail parks.

Evidence of drink and drugs has emerged from the litter left on the car park which is currently open 24 hours a day.

Parking chief David Bennett says the 'open all hours' approach allows the Boughton Heath and Sealand Road Park & Ride sites to be used by people who park and then car share to locations in the city and elsewhere.

Clubs also meet at the car parks and catch coaches for theatre trips or to organised walks. And some Park & Ride passengers stay in the city centre after the last bus and catch taxis back to their cars.

Mr Bennett says although the number of 'non-Park & Ride' users is small, they help to reduce traffic congestion.

But, says Mr Bennett: 'Recent complaints have been received from residents near the Boughton site that it is being visited by people out of operating hours and causing a nuisance with noise and rubbish.'

Recommending the Boughton Heath and Sealand Road sites should be secured, Mr Bennett adds: 'There is a current fashion for young people to get together and race their cars around out of town retail parks.

'In the event of these venues being closed to them, there is a possibility of them transferring their activities to the Park & Ride sites.'

Councillors were hearing the Wrexham Road and Upton sites are already secured out of opening hours.

Mr Bennett believes similar measures at Boughton Heath and Sealand Road will result in less litter and damage and fewer disturbances to local residents.

The car parks would qualify for a Secure Car Parks award and problems on the retail parks would be prevented from moving to the park and ride sites.

He comments: 'It would be extremely undesirable if the reputation of the Park & Ride sites became synonymous with anti social behaviour.'

Motorists accidentally locked in would be rescued by the Vandaline service.

Councillors are being asked to decide if the sites should be secured. The cost would be £8,000.